The Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles, despite struggling in the first set, managed to defeat the University of the East Lady Warriors in UAAP Women’s Volleyball, 21-25, 25-18, 25-21, 25-14, Saturday at FilOil Flying-V Arena in San Juan City.
Ateneo actually had a 11-8 cushion in the early part of the first set, but the defense pattern of the Lady Eagles started to crumble as several down-the-line hits of Mary Ann Mendrez were left undefended. UE stole the lead at 18-17 and went on a run to get the set, closed out by another attack by Mendrez targeting zone one.
The Lady Eagles recovered in the second set and made the necessary adjustments in their blocking. Maddie Madayag and Deanna Wong put up their net defense to anticipate the down-the-line attempts of the spikers of UE.
It was the Lady Warriors’ turn to adjust in the third frame with Ateneo slowly finding its groove. They started strong with a 13-10 lead, but the Lady Eagles fought back with a 6-0 run to head into the second technical timeout with the 16-13 edge. A backrow attack from Jhoana Maragunot gave them the third set.
It was all Ateneo in the fourth set as UE completely lost their momentum.
Jhoana Maraguinot had a triple-double performance with 17 attacks, 12 excellent digs, and 11 excellent receptions. Maddie Madayag and Bea de Leon combined for 22 markers, while Ponggay Gaston who played off the bench provided the much-needed energy inside the court with 9 points.
Shaya Adorador led UE with 12 points.
Player of the Game: Jhoanna Maraguinot, 20 points (17 attacks, 1 block, 2 service aces)
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